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PHILADELPHIA – Virtual Library Legislative Day is part of the American Library Association’s (ALA) National Library Legislative Day on May 8, when hundreds of library advocates will descend on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staffs. Library advocates who cannot make it to Capitol Hill for the event can still be a part of the effort by calling and/or emailing their elected officials on May 8, or anytime the week of May 6-10.

To take action for libraries during this week, visit http://capwiz.com/ala/home. Find your elected officials by ZIP code, and use the talking points and contact information provided to call or email your representatives.

The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is offering a way to advocate for teen library services with just two clicks: the “Tweet Your U.S. Senator and U.S. Representatives” maps, developed by YALSA’s legislative committee. To participate, log into Twitter, then visit the U.S. Senator map at http://tinyurl.com/NLLDmap and the U.S. Representative Map at http://tinyurl.com/NLLDreps. Find your state, then click on the marker for your senator/representatives and click the “Tweet Me!” link that pops up under their name.

United for Libraries, the ALA Washington Office, ALA’s Chapter Relations Office, and the ALA Office for Library Advocacy are leading Virtual Library Legislative Day, an opportunity for all library advocates to make their voices heard on a national level.

National Library Legislative Day began in 1976. In 2003, Friends of Libraries U.S.A. began a virtual component to engage Friends of the Library groups, library advocates and supporters around the country who could not travel to Washington, D.C., for the main event. Now in its 11th year, the virtual campaign continues to support the efforts of those who attend this important day in Washington, D.C., and meet with their elected officials in person.

Talking points, links, and more resources are available at www.ala.org/united/advocacy/virtuallegday. In addition, the website features bookmarks and posters for library advocates to print, email or post on their websites to help spread the word in their communities.

More information about National Library Legislative Day, including a list of events for those who plan to participate in Washington, D.C., can be found at www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/nlld.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports citizens who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.